A year after the New York Jets traded safety Kerry Rhodes to the Cardinals, Jets coach Rex Ryan ripped into Rhodes in his book, “Play Like You Mean It.”

“He was a selfish-ass guy,” Ryan wrote after the Cardinals acquired Rhodes for a fourth-round pick in 2010 and a seventh-round pick in 2011. “He wouldn't work, and he was a Hollywood type, flashy and needing attention. I don't mind flashy, but your work ethic had better back it up. He was a talented SOB, that's for sure, but he wasn't one of us.”

Rhodes was reminded of those words Wednesday, but he declined to fight back or admit there is any added incentive for Sunday’s game against the Jets.

“I’m not going to go that route,” Rhodes said. “It’s been almost three years now. He has stuff he has to worry about with that team and I have stuff I have to worry about here …

“Everybody knows what I can do. I think I’ve proven it, that I’m still a good player in this league.”

Rhodes, who has 42 tackles, two interceptions and one quarterback sack this season, said he enjoyed his five seasons (2005-09) in New York and that the experience of playing in one of the more intense and scrutinized media markets in the league “made me a man. It helped me grow up.”

“You can be on top of the world but you can also be at the lowest of lows,” Rhodes said. “…It’s one of those opportunity places. You have smaller endorsement deals out here but in New York when you’re playing well you’re doing Campbell’s Soup commercials like (wide receiver) Victor Cruz or Subway commercials like (defensive end) Justin Tuck.

“When you win there it’s a big deal.”

Kolb still on hold

Quarterback Kevin Kolb still doesn’t know when he’ll be able to return from the rib and shoulder injuries he suffered against Buffalo on Oct.14. Kolb said Wednesday the ribs were feeling good but that he’s still not ready to play.

Kolb was scheduled to see a doctor after Wednesday’s practice for an update on his condition.

“I think the biggest thing is what level can I actually go and play at right now,” he said. “That's what I'm trying to work through, is getting all the way back to, I can't say 100 percent, but trying to get back to where velocity is there and all that kind of stuff.”

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he wouldn’t play Kolb until he’s certain the quarterback can withstand a hit to the ribs.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a pain thing you can’t play through,” Kolb added. “Is it healed enough to take that shot without re-breaking and being able to go out there and play at a high level?”

Take them back

Ryan Lindley would like to take back six to 10 passes from last Sunday’s game against the Rams. Kolb told him he will feel that way after most games.

“It’s just three of those were absolutely horrible,” Lindley said.

A rookie, Lindley had four passes intercepted, including two that were returned for touchdowns.

It appears he will start against the Jets on Sunday as Kolb tries to return from rib and shoulder injuries.

It took Lindley a while to get past the disappointment of Sunday’s performance.

“It’s tough,” he said. “I don’t know if there is a universal approach. For me, I rely on my faith a lot. I was at a children’s hospital yesterday and I kind of realized throwing four picks is kind of trivial. At the same time, I’m not going to downplay it. I shouldn’t have done what I did. It was bad.”

Breaking in a new center

For first time in 82 games, someone other than Lyle Sendlein will be starting at center for the Cardinals. Sendlein is out for the rest of the year with a torn left MCL, and Rich Ohrnberger will start in his place.

Ohrnberger, a four-year pro, has started two games at guard but this will be his first career start. The Jets use a lot of different blitzes, but Ohrnberger is confident he will be ready for them.

“Having played with New England and having seen them (the Jets) a lot through the years, I’m used to a lot of the different things they bring to the table,” he said.

Whisenhunt praised Sendlein for playing the entire game against the Rams after tearing the ligament on the Cardinals’ first possession.

“He’s really one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around,” Whisenhunt said.

Scooting around

Outside linebacker O’Brien Schofield paid a visit to the team’s locker room on Wednesday, using a little scooter to maneuver. Schofield’s left foot remains in a cast three weeks after he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament.

He’ll trade in a cast for a walking boot in a few weeks and then begin rehabilitation.

Schofield suffered the injury against the Packers on a freak collision with end Darnell Dockett. Dockett has checked on Schofield numerous times and has worn Schofield’s number on the back of his helmet.

“It wasn’t his fault at all,” Schofield said. “The way he’s been toward me, I appreciate all of his generosity.”

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